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The Chalice and the Blade

Our History, Our Future

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The Chalice and the Blade

By: Riane Eisler
Narrated by: Riane Eisler
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About this listen

Riane Eisler reads this new, accessible adaptation of her ground-breaking classic The Chalice and the Blade, in which she combined original theory with noted scholarship to tell a new story of our cultural origins. Drawing evidence from literature, art, sociology, archeology, politics, and economics, she eloquently reconstructs a prehistoric culture based on partnership rather than domination. She then traces the roots of the global shift to patriarchy, showing that was and the "war of the sexes" are neither divinely nor biologically ordained. Finally, and most significantly, she provides new scripts for living, proving that a better future is possible, and is in fact rooted in the drama of our past.

©1987 Riane Eisler (P)1997 New World Library Gender Studies Social Sciences World War Socialism Ancient History Mythology Middle Ages Capitalism

Critic Reviews

"The most important book since Darwin's Origin of Species." (Ashley Montagu)
"Some books are like revelations, they open the spirit to unimaginable possibilities. [this] is one of those magnificent key books that can transform us." (Isabel Allende)
All stars
Most relevant
This essential book is for our times. The writing is brilliant but the way it was recorded doesn’t do it any justice. The authors voice deserves a much higher standard of effort put in by recording it in a proper setting. Highly recommend the book but not this version sadly.

Brilliant writing

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Great material to help understand the rise of male domination and why humankind must move away from that which will destroy our world. Thought provoking. Recording could be sharper.

Great material.

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If every person in the world read this book and took it to heart, we would be in much better shape than we are now. This is one of the most important books I have ever read.

A must read

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Rather short for the price, I thought.
But the content is concise and densely packed.
Well worth buying in my view.

Voice quality poor, but great to hear author's voice

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Loved this book, it's very in keeping with other book by indigenous authors I have read about more egalitarian society. I loved her analysis of culture/history at the end so much I ordered the physical book.

Only issue was the audio quality wasn't great but it was lovely to hear the authors voice.

Incredible

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.